The content of this blog post has been provided courtesy of Abanaki Oil Skimmers. Have you ever heard the old saying, “Oil and Water Don’t Mix?” This is also holds true in metal finishing. The relationship between oil and water in a mixture is well-known and governed by two physical properties: Specific Gravity: Most hydrocarbons have a lower specific gravity than water. Without agitation, oil separates from the water and floats to the surface. These oils are known as LNAPL’s – Light Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid. Oils (and other compounds) that sink in water have a higher specific … [Read more...]
October 19, 2017 By
Perfecting your Phosphate Line
Spotty parts. These two words pretty much sum it up when issues arise with your phosphate cleaning line. Incomplete coverage ---or ---no coverage at all is another sign that your phosphate line is negatively impacting your shop’s efficiency and your company’s profitability. There is a cure. Incomplete Coverage - Substrate: Incomplete surface coverage typically indicates adjustments to the pretreatment process may be necessary or that there are variations in substrate manufacturing that need to be addressed. Substrate issues should be reviewed with the supplier to confirm consistent … [Read more...]
September 13, 2017 By
Uncovering the Evidence of Poor Air Quality
Poor indoor air quality is more than frustrating. It’s a serious problem that can cause issues ranging from mild eye irritation, to an itchy nose and sore throat, to persistent headaches and fatigue. The prolonged effects of poor air quality and other pollutants are widely documented to cause more severe health concerns impacting respiratory and cardiovascular systems, as well as cancer. Whether sitting at your desk or processing parts on the plating line, ventilation systems abound throughout the ceilings, walls and floors of the workplace. When maintained and audited on a regular basis, … [Read more...]
August 1, 2017 By
Asterion Welcomes Back Doug Trageser, Southeastern US Regional Manager
INDIANAPOLIS, August 2, 2017 – Doug Trageser recently rejoined Asterion, LLC as the company’s Southeastern US Regional Manager. Acknowledged as a trusted and relied upon industry expert, Mr. Trageser is responsible for the sales and technical service of the company’s high performance chemistries, equipment and powder coatings in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia and South Carolina. Mr. Trageser was president of Southeastern Chemical, Inc. prior to the company’s acquisition by Asterion in August 2014. A metal finishing veteran for over decades, Mr. Trageser’s hands-on … [Read more...]
July 27, 2017 By
Equipment Purchasing Shouldn’t Be So Perplexing
Are you frustrated with having to spend valuable time researching and sourcing metal finishing equipment? And, when you finally get a vendor to provide a quote, do you get an uneasy feeling of being overcharged? Your vendor should make you feel confident about every equipment purchase you make. Instead of doing most of the talking, they should be listening to your needs while reviewing the following considerations: Equipment Selection: Based on your budgetary and performance criteria, a focus on equipment options that meet your specific applications and productivity objectives should … [Read more...]
July 12, 2017 By
Jake Fisher a “40 Under 40” Products Finishing Honoree
We are proud to announce that our very own Jake Fisher, Technical Sales Representative, has been named a "40 under 40 Future Leader of Surface Finishing" by Products Finishing Magazine. In 2013, Jake graduated from Wabash College with a chemistry degree and shortly thereafter joined Asterion. In just over three years he has risen from a technician to field service to his current technical sales territory management responsibility. Working closely with customers, Jake employs his knowledge of chemistry and skill as a certified electroplater finisher (CEF) to provide … [Read more...]
May 30, 2017 By
Cleaning Leaded Brass
If you have ever tried plating over leaded brass, you’ve most likely experienced the dreaded lead soap at some point. So, you may be asking… What is Lead Soap? It’s just what you’d expect it to be --- saponified lead. How can you tell if you have lead soap? Telltale signs of lead soap include either cloudiness in the deposit or a dark appearance in one particular current density area. Is Lead Soap Difficult to Clean? You betcha! Metallic soaps are typically difficult to remove from a part’s surface, with lead soap being one of the most stubborn. How is Lead Soap Formed? … [Read more...]
May 10, 2017 By
Alkaline Zinc Black Systems Offer Ultimate Performance
The recent introduction of the Asterion® Ultra alkaline zinc systems has placed a spotlight on a truly integrated approach to reducing rejects and increasing productivity. Of special note is the high interest in black trivalent systems that are production-proven to maintain and enhance the appearance of complex part geometries, while not sacrificing corrosion resistance. To address some of the questions (and excitement!), I’ve authored this blog specifically on Ultra black systems, with a special emphasis on passivate and sealant process operations. TECHNIBRITE™ Ultra Zn Before we … [Read more...]
May 3, 2017 By
Alkaline Zinc Systems Answer the Call for Integrated Solution
As published in Products Finishing Magazine, May 2017 issue. Asterion introduces a comprehensive plating system covering demands for productivity, corrosion resistance and appearance. Alkaline zinc plating is often met with a range of requirements including cost, corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. Providing plating processes, pretreatment chemistry and powder coatings to the surface finishing industry, Asterion introduces an integrated system it believes meets those demands, increases productivity and reduces rejects. According to the company, several chemical suppliers have … [Read more...]
April 24, 2017 By
What’s the Best Cleaning Method?
How many times have you asked, “What’s the best cleaning method?” Most likely, more times than you may be willing to readily admit without creating a furrowed brow or other visible sign of discontent. More often than not, you probably received a highly complex response that thrashed around operating parameters, rack or barrel, tank construction, bath make-up …and the list goes on. This same question has been and continues to be posed to Team Asterion on numerous occasions. The good news is that there is a simple answer when water soluble-based oils are used in the manufacturing process. No … [Read more...]